Project -КП-06-Н91-13- Approaches for modulating bacterial virulence factors using polymeric nanocarriers loaded with plant metabolites

Financing Agreement KP-06-N91/13 on the topic: Approaches for modulating bacterial virulence factors using polymeric nanocarriers loaded with plant metabolites

Beneficiary: Institute of Microbiology "Stefan Angelov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Partners: Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Institute of Organic Chemistry with a Center for Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Implementation deadline: 04.12.2025 – 04.12.2028

Project value: 425,000 BGN

Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva

Project participants:
From IMiKB - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Chief Assist. Dr. Dayana Borisova, Assist. Tsvetozara Damyanova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petya Dimitrova, Chief Assist. Dr. Milena Leseva, Martina Ivanova, Iveta Uzunova

From Sofia University St. "Kliment Ohridski" - Prof. Tanya Topuzova-Hristova, Chief Assist. Ralitsa Veleva, Slavina Ivanova

From the Institute of Polymers – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emi Haladzhova, Senior Assist. Dr. Katya Kamenova-Stoyanova, Assist. Rumena Stancheva

From Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, BAS - Prof. Antoaneta Trendafilova, PhD; Chief Assist. Dr. Viktoria Ivanova

Abstract of the project: 

The present project focuses on the development of innovative antivirulence strategies based on the combined application of nanomaterials and natural plant metabolites. The study aims to identify and apply loaded polymeric nanocarriers containing plant extracts or fractions, as well as to elucidate their antivirulence effectiveness through: inhibition of biofilm formation, modulation of quorum-sensing system mechanisms, and innate inflammatory mechanisms. As a result of the synergistic action of the applied synthetic and natural agents, effectiveness in overcoming antibiotic resistance is also expected to be achieved. The focus is placed on introducing an innovative approach for loading plant phytochemicals (phenols, alkaloids, terpenes, etc.) into nanoparticles, with the aim of enhancing their biotolerance, specificity, and efficacy.

Expected results:

Methodologically, the studies are expected to contribute new data on the synergistic effects between nanomaterials and plant-derived compounds, targeting: effective antibacterial and antibiofilm doses; clarification of structural changes in biofilms and bacterial cell morphology; inhibition of quorum-sensing mechanisms and bacterial adhesion; determination of cytotoxicity in human cell lines; effects on the inflammasome and innate immune signaling pathways; biotolerance, and others. Depending on the observed activities, some of the applied nanocarriers will also be tested on clinical isolates with high pathogenicity.